Think your sector has data issues? You’re not alone

If you think your data management problems are unique to your business or your sector, think again. Data is driving decision-making in every industry, presenting unique challenges and opportunities at every turn. Most importantly, when it’s used in the right way, data has the potential to transform lives, protect our planet, and reshape the future.

In the energy and utilities sector, data and AI can revolutionise how we manage resources, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. In health, better data integration and management can literally save lives, improving patient outcomes and enhancing the quality of care. Public safety services, on the other hand, stand to benefit immensely from more integrated and responsive data systems, which have a day-to-day impact on societal well-being and safety.

These three sectors are among those with the most to gain from a data-driven transformation. By tapping into the transformative potential of data, this blog explores how organisations in these sectors can turn data challenges into powerful opportunities for positive change.

Enhancing public safety services through data integration

Public safety organisations face significant challenges – managing data from a wide range of sources, making sure systems work together, and meeting high public expectations for digital services.

The complexity of modern crime and the need for real-time updates make these issues even more difficult to manage. For example, handling large amounts of data from crime reports, probation services, and court proceedings is a daunting task.

But automating and integrating this data should be a no-brainer. Take for example a repeat offender interacting with multiple agencies. Integrated data can help spot early intervention points, potentially reducing re-offending rates. Also, automating routine tasks like a data search for a missing person across multiple databases can greatly improve response times and outcomes.

Top tips for data transformation public safety services:

Expose the problem: Identify and prioritise fixing pain points that hinder the effective use of data.
Break down data silos: Focus on integrating data from different systems and sources and improving interoperability between public safety platforms.
Use technology as a capacity multiplier: Put in place AI and automation to speed up data processing and decision-making, allowing you to free up your resources.

A unified approach to drive better patient outcomes in the health sector

The health sector grapples with outdated systems, fragmented data sources, and a lack of standardised processes. Despite significant investments, inefficiencies remain, such as the reliance on paper records and the proliferation of ‘ghost records’ (extra patient records due to duplicated data).

Some progress has already been made, such as the digitisation of paper records. The NHS has successfully digitised over 30 million Lloyd George records (known to most as the old manila brown folders with realms of patient notes). This shift to digital records has transformed patient data accessibility, streamlined operations, improved patient care, and reduced part of the administrative burdens.

Another advantage of integrating data across various healthcare settings is that the data can be shared across digital platforms like the NHS App. This approach not only improves interoperability and data accuracy but also provides healthcare professionals with comprehensive and up-to-date patient information.

For instance, Made Tech’s collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Care on the Adult Social Care Data Tool has been instrumental in bringing together data from different sources. This tool and the data-driven insight it provides, allows for better analysis, policy-making, and service planning, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients.

Top tips for data transformation health and social care:

Digitise processes: Urgently look at ways to move away from paper-based systems to digital records wherever possible, to streamline operations.
Improve data quality: Spend some money on better data management systems and data governance to ensure accurate and reliable data.
Standardise processes: Encourage a single, unified approach to healthcare processes to improve efficiency and data interoperability.

Transforming energy and utilities management with data-driven insights

The energy and utilities sector is one of the highest producers of data among all industries. It deals with vast amounts of data generated from diverse sources, like smart metres, weather data, and consumer usage patterns. The National Grid handles over 1.3 terabytes of data daily from various sources, including renewable energy inputs, grid sensors, and weather forecasts. Managing this data effectively is crucial for maintaining grid stability, allocating resources, and improving service reliability.

Predictive maintenance, powered by AI and machine learning, is a vital innovation. For example, companies have achieved maintenance cost reductions of 10-25%¹ by identifying equipment failures before they occur. This not only minimises downtime but also extends the lifespan of critical infrastructure, ensuring more reliable services.

By analysing usage patterns and integrating data from various customer touch points, utility companies can develop more flexible pricing models. Data can also help identify customers who may struggle with bill payments, allowing companies to proactively offer support and reduce instances of bad debt.

Top tips for data transformation in the energy, utilities and environmental sector:

Integrate data sources: Use advanced data integration tools to bring together information from various sources.
Enhance analytics: Implement AI and ML to predict maintenance and distribute energy or water efficiently.
Use data-driven insight: Make the most of data analytics to offer personalised services, improve customer satisfaction, and proactively manage at-risk customers.

How we can help

Adopting a data-driven approach and investing in strong data management tools offers major benefits, turning data into a valuable asset. By seeing data as an opportunity rather than a problem, organisations across all sectors can make huge strides in transforming their operations, services, and customer experiences.

Using our deep understanding of sector-specific challenges and our innovative approach to digital transformation, we help organisations get the most out of their data. We believe that by focusing on data-driven transformation in key sectors, where the stakes are high – like energy and utilities, healthcare, and public safety, we can make a real impact.

Our commitment to simplicity, effective problem-solving, and outcome-driven results, means that the solutions we deliver have real, tangible benefits. Visit our data and AI website pages or contact our industry experts to learn more about how we can support your journey towards data excellence.